Agenda item

To receive a presentation providing an update on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reforms.

The Committee received a presentation (Item 8 in the Minute Book) from the Director of Children’s Services and representatives of the NHS providing an update on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reforms, following on from a previous update to the Committee in November 2017.

The context of SEND Reforms was set out for Members’ information and it was highlighted that as a result of the Children and Families Act (Part 3) in September 2014, there was a strengthened focus on parents and children collaboration as well as improvements in other areas such as the introduction of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).  The Committee noted that as a result of the introduction of the EHCPs, 5,277 Statements of SEN had to be transferred by the 31 March 2018 to EHCPs, of which 99.9% were completed, and the six (0.1%) not transferred were due to particular circumstances including Tribunal appeals.  It was noted that three were still to be transferred, and Members noted that these would be completed soon.  It was heard that there had been a significant increase in the figure of EHCPs produced within the statutory 20 week deadline and this had risen from 4.5% in 2016 to 46% in March 2018, and this figure was expected to rise in the future.

Members heard that there had been an increase in requests for EHCPs, which was also being seen nationally, and where previously SEN Statements covered children and young people up to the age of 19, EHCPs included children and young people up to 25 years of age. Officers also drew attention to the benefits of the digital EHC hub and explained that the final version of the digital EHC hub system had been received and would be launched via a phased approach later in the year, and the benefits of this system were highlighted.

Officers explained the relationship between SEN support and managing demand, and outlined the key areas of focus which included working with mainstream schools and colleges as well as close working with Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators.  The department recognised that there were a large number of SEN out of county placements, and reviews were being undertaken to determine needs and whether these could be met within the community.  A total of 43 cases had been identified as ready to move on, saving £605,000 from a total spend of £20,483,212 on SEN costs.  Key areas of SEND post 16 preparation for adulthood strategy were outlined with an emphasis on gaining valuable work skills which would lead to future employment.

The presentation also outlined other key areas such as capital place planning strategy and close working with the Hampshire Parent Carer Network (HPCN) in understanding concerns of parents and building supportive relationships between parents and professionals.  The importance of Pubic Health early identification and early intervention was noted as well as its significant role in working to strengthen parental support. 

Officers outlined that a number of workstreams were currently in place as part of the NHS Maternity and Children’s collaborative and a number of key appointments had been made which included a learning disabilities commissioning assessor.  Officers concluded the presentation by outlining the process for the First-Tier SENDIST Tribunal and explaining the stages of this to Members.

In response to questions, Members heard:

·         That the number of live tribunals amounted to 100, but this reflected a national rising trend for tribunals due to the creation of a conflict resolution process.

·         That the majority of SEND requests were received at school age.

·         That struggles and delays in obtaining a diagnosis for autism, wouldn’t delay or obstruct the implementation of an EHCP.  It was noted that diagnosis could take place in late teens and early twenties and appropriate support mechanisms would be implemented in each case.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the overview provided in relation to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reforms presentation is noted.